IIM Lucknow graduate Shailesh Jejurikar becomes CEO of P&G after working for 36 years

The Procter & Gamble Company said that Shailesh Jejurikar, its current Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer effective Jan. 1, 2026, marking the latest high-profile succession of an Indian-origin executive to the helm of a global consumer products giant.

The Cincinnati-based company also announced that Jon R. Moeller, who has served as CEO since 2021, will assume the role of Executive Chairman on the same date. The company’s board has nominated Jejurikar for election as a director at its annual shareholder meeting in October.

Jejurikar will become the first Indian-born CEO in P&G’s 187-year history. A Mumbai native and IIM Lucknow graduate, he joined P&G in 1989 as an assistant brand manager for Personal Health Care in India and has since held a succession of senior roles across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, most notably in Fabric and Home Care and the company’s Enterprise Markets business.

In his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Jejurikar has overseen the company's largest regions and categories, while also helping lead global operations in supply chain, IT, and business services. He was named COO in 2021, the first executive to hold that title in the company's recent history.

“I am honored to serve as P&G’s CEO,” Jejurikar said in a statement. “P&G people, our brands, and our capabilities in innovation and operational excellence fuel my confidence for a future of sustained growth and value creation.”

The transition comes as P&G navigates a volatile consumer environment. The company trimmed its annual core earnings outlook earlier this year, citing uncertain consumer sentiment and potential trade-related impacts, particularly in the American market.

Joe Jimenez, lead independent director of the P&G board, praised Moeller’s leadership, citing his role in “one of the most significant transformations in the Company’s history,” which included portfolio streamlining, productivity improvement, and a renewed strategic focus on superiority across brands and categories. “A strong plan is in place for sustained success and now is the time to transition to Shailesh as CEO,” Jimenez said.

Moeller will remain closely involved with the company as Executive Chairman, advising the leadership team and chairing the board.

Jejurikar's elevation comes amid a wave of Indian executives taking top roles in global corporations, particularly in technology and consumer sectors. More than 350 Indian expats are in global roles across P&G, highlighting the growing significance of India in the company’s talent and market strategy.

The country is one of P&G’s top ten markets globally, and Jejurikar has previously said that India’s demographic and economic momentum will only increase its strategic value.